Scent of Triumph (33 page)

“She must have worked very hard.”

Hedda gave a hearty chuckle. “On her back, some would say. You know, you should watch Cam around Erica.” She kissed Danielle on the cheek. “Ta-ta, dearie, I must dash.”

Danielle watched Erica and Lou for a moment, then Cameron returned, bearing two flutes.

“Champagne?” Cameron asked.

“What a treat.” Danielle accepted a glass.

He clinked her glass. “To the future. May your tomorrow be as bright your eyes.”

“Oh, really, Cameron.” Danielle smiled even as she felt Erica’s cold glare upon her.

The party reached a fever pitch and Abigail stood next to Lou Silverman as he scanned the crowd, seemingly satisfied with his handiwork. Judging from the press people, Abigail imagined the party would be covered in all the newspapers and trade publications tomorrow.

Lou’s brightest star, Erica Evans, had turned out well this evening. She stood on the other side of Lou, greeting guests and looking beautiful.

“Lou, you really must lend a hand to our cause,” Abigail said, drawing his attention away from the party scene. “There’s a wonderful couple in London assisting me, the Leibowitzes. They’re aiding in rescuing orphaned and displaced children from across Europe and England.”

Lou Silverman leaned against the railing, listening to her and smiling. “Abigail, your enthusiasm, energy, and passion are a sight to behold.”

At that moment, a director stopped to speak to Lou, diverting his attention.

Erica turned to Abigail and whispered to her. “Are you completely oblivious to his interest in you?”

Abigail was genuinely surprised. “Honestly, Erica, the stars here shine much brighter I do.”

“But you’re different,” Erica said. “You’re intelligent, well-bred and well-educated, and you’re a natural beauty besides. You stand out, head and shoulders above the rest of us. I know Lou, and he has his eye on you.”

Abigail glanced at Lou.
Did he really?

She saw Lou shake hands with the director before the other man moved off into the crowd. Lou caught the eye of his butler across the crowd. Lou raised his eyebrows in a silent query, and the butler gave a nod. Abigail knew that everything was under control this evening.

She could imagine a man like this in her life, entertaining with him, strolling the terraced grounds with him, lying in bed with him.
What would it be like?

Lou adjusted the white tie of his tuxedo and returned his gaze to Abigail. “Now, what were you saying?”

“Sorry?”

As if he were reading her mind, Lou grinned and winked at her.

Abigail gathered her thoughts again. “As I was saying, you know about the special benefit to introduce my new children’s rescue program. Lou, I’ve been making the same plea for weeks now, and you have yet to accept or decline. I need an answer.”

“Tell me again, Abigail.”

“Have you been listening to me?”

“I’ve had a lot on my mind. I run a studio, remember? You have my full attention now.”

Abigail plunged into the story, relating how she had spoken to Mrs. Roosevelt, the First Lady. They went on to discuss the possibility of the United States entering the war, and the potential impact on the American people and business.

“I don’t see how we can avoid it,” Lou commented.

Erica interrupted. “Look, here comes Cameron Murphy.”

“Who’s that with him?” Lou asked.

“Why, it’s Danielle,” Abigail stepped forward, and kissed Danielle on the cheek. “What a surprise, Danielle.”

They spoke briefly, and Danielle asked, “How is your family? And Jon?”

“Everyone is fine. Did you hear that Jon is getting married?”

Danielle felt like she’d been punched in the stomach. She took a shallow breath. “Married?”

Cameron grinned. “So he finally got the girl, huh?”

“Someone has to carry on the family line, you know.” A shadow flashed across Abigail’s face as she said to Cameron, “You must remember Victoria.”

Danielle felt her head swim, she fought to mask her devastation. “Strange,” she muttered, “Jon never mentioned her in his letters.”
How could he?
And yet, she had rebuffed his offer.
Still, she thought they had something. But he was a man, a very handsome man, and—

“Oh?” Abigail said. “He writes you, does he? How nice of him. Well, I suppose he mightn’t have mentioned it. It’s just been assumed for years and years. I guess they’ve always been in love, or, whatever. Promised, you know. It’s the way our families do things in England. But I know Victoria’s simply mad about him.”

“Well, give him my best.” Danielle hoped she didn’t sound as heartsick as she felt.
Why hadn’t Jon told her about Victoria?
Danielle hadn’t even confided in Abigail, because she was still presumed to be in mourning over Max.

Cameron draped his arm across Danielle’s shoulders. “I’m glad Jon’s love life is settled. Say hello to Mr. Silverman, Danielle.”

She turned to Lou and found her voice. “Good evening, this is quite a party. Thank you for having us.”

Lou nodded politely to Danielle. “Glad you’re both here.” He turned to Cameron, scrutinizing him. “You’re looking good, son. Taking care of yourself?”

“Yes sir, taking good care of myself. Behaving myself, too, if that’s what you mean.”

“Good. Erica is still quite sold on you.”

Erica cut in, her mouth set in a sensual pout. “Aren’t you going to greet the guest of honor?”

Cameron laughed. “Of course I am, my Latin lassie.” He grabbed her hands and held her in front of him, admiring her. “You’re gorgeous tonight, Erica. But then, you always are.” He bent to kiss her on the cheek.

Erica quickly turned her cheek and caught him full on the lips. “For old times’ sake,
mi amore
,” she said seductively.

“Nice that you’re on such good terms,” Abigail observed wryly. “Most divorced couples hardly speak to one another.”

Erica threw a wicked glance over her shoulder. “We do more than speak, don’t we my pet? Why let a divorce ruin a perfectly good relationship?”

Cameron coughed. “You’re in rare form tonight, Erica. But as I recall, you were the one who packed your bags and left.”

Erica cast his words aside with a wave of her ruby jeweled hand. “Details, details.” Her gaze rested squarely on Danielle, and she tilted her nose into the air. “Who’s the girl in the golden gown?”

Cameron introduced Danielle to Erica. “I ran into her today, she was working at Bullock’s Wilshire.”

“Oh, a shop girl.” Erica narrowed her eyes. “Nice dress. You should have borrowed some jewelry, too.”

“I’m pleased to meet you, too,” Danielle said, tilting her chin and swallowing her disappointment over Jon. She held her hand out to greet Erica.

Erica ignored her proffered hand.

Lou spoke up. “As I recall, Danielle, the last time we met you were just starting your perfume company. Now I read about you all the time in Hedda’s column.” He said to Cameron, “Danielle is a very special lady. Take good care of her.”

“You needn’t worry,” Danielle said. “Cameron is taking very good care of me this evening.”

“Really?” Erica flipped her jet black mane over her bare shoulder, the scent of Joy on her skin. “Just
how
good, Cam?”

“That’s enough, Erica.” Lou caught her arm.

Abigail cut in. “What a beautiful evening dress, Danielle. Where on earth did you find it? At Clara’s?”

“No, it’s one of my new designs. Do you really like it?”

“Like it? I love it! I’ve never seen anything like it. Let me see the back of it.”

Danielle whirled around, the fluid satin rippling in golden waves about her legs. “What do you think of the back?

“Sensual,” Cameron interjected, his fingers trailing down her bare back.

“Naughty boy.” Danielle winked at him. Secretly, she enjoyed his compliment, especially because Erica was still throwing silent daggers in her direction. “I have other designs, too, for my new fashion line.”

“Clara must see these, absolutely must.” Abigail’s eyes danced. “I’m going to call her.”

Danielle grinned. “We’re already planning the first House of Bretancourt trunk show at Clara’s. The focus is on enhancing a woman’s natural figure, and combining sumptuous new fabrics with vintage accents.”

“How interesting,” Lou said. “I’ll make sure some of our stars attend. Erica would look lovely in something like that.”

Danielle imagined that Erica would rather rip the gown off her, but since Lou still had her firmly by the arm, Erica arranged a pleasant look on her face instead.

“Naturally, I’d love to attend,” Erica gushed, her words dripping venom. “I always enjoy meeting new
dressmakers
.”

“Danielle is much more than a dressmaker,” Abigail said. “She could be the next great designer, like Chanel or Patou. Look at how successful her perfume line has become.”

“I’ll be sure to send you an invitation, Erica. You should bring your boyfriend, too,” Danielle said, “so he can choose some dresses for you. Is he here tonight?”

Erica ignored her, and Danielle saw Cameron actually blush a little.
So, he lied to me about her having a new boyfriend,
she thought.
I wonder why?

“I’d also be willing to design special evening dresses and costumes for the studio, Lou,” Danielle added, filling the awkward silence.

“Would you now? Then let’s talk about costuming for Erica’s new movie. Maybe we’ll commission two or three dresses like this. Might be good exposure for you. Call me tomorrow.”

Erica looked like she wanted to scratch out Danielle’s eyes.

“I’ll call you first thing in the morning,” Danielle replied calmly. Inside, she was delighted.

When Lou left them to visit with other guests, Abigail turned to Danielle. “I’m going to freshen up. Would you like to come with me?” Danielle nodded, and they started off through the crowd, leaving Erica and Cameron alone.

Cameron glared at Erica. “What was all that about?”

“I don’t know what you mean,” she said, tossing her hair over her shoulder.

“You’re such a bitch,” he hissed, as he grabbed her wrist and twisted it. “
Shop girl
?”

Erica grimaced against the sharp pain, and leaned into him, whispering in his ear. “You take your hands off me, Cameron Murphy. I am
no longer
your wife, and you can’t pound me into submission anymore.” She motioned over her shoulder. “Let go of me, what will everyone think?”

Cameron jerked on her wrist again, pulling her closer to him. “They’ll think we’re getting along just fine now.”

“Not when I slap your face, you bastard,” she hissed. A smile curved on her red lips.

He released her, shoving her from him. “Stop being so dramatic, Erica. The cameras aren’t rolling.”

Erica stumbled, then caught herself from falling. “And they won’t ever roll for you again in this town unless you’re nice to me.” She rubbed her wrist. “I’m the only one who can save you, Cam.”

Cameron spun on his heel to leave her and saw Danielle motioning to him across the room.

Grinning broadly, he made his way to Danielle. “I’ve had enough of the party,” Cameron said, making a face, “and enough of Erica. Let’s get out of here.”

“I don’t think Erica has had enough of you though,” she said softly. “I think she’s still in love with you.”

He made no reply. He steered her through the crowd and out the door.

They got into the Rolls-Royce and Cameron maneuvered through the gates and started down the hill. Before long, Cameron pulled the car to the side of the road and turned off the engine. “This is a great view,” he said. They sat at the edge of the road where city lights sparkled beneath them, and to the west, the black velvet ocean stretched into infinity.

The night was still, the spring breeze cool. Cameron turned to Danielle and put his arm around her. “I want you to understand, Dani. Erica and I loved one another very much. But we were like oil and water. Between my Irish temper and her Latin temper, it was pure combustion. Our marriage was like a prize fight—not at all like the relationship you and Max had.”

Danielle raised her face to his. “Don’t think our marriage was perfect. Every relationship requires compromise. Do you mind if I ask why Erica left you?”

“Aye, that she did, and with good reason. I was wild in my younger days. Hollywood can be very alluring, Dani, but it’s not real. Not like you.” His hand rested on her bare back, his fingers nestled in the small of her back. “I’ve tried to change, though not many people realize it.” He hung his head.

Danielle lifted his chin and gazed into his eyes. He looked like a little boy who needed to be loved. Her heart tightened as for a fleeting moment, she thought of Max, and then, Jon. “Have you really changed, Cameron?”

“Sure an’ I’ve changed. I’ve learned my lessons. Now I just want to settle down, be a family man, work regularly.”

“You? A family man?” She laughed. “I’m sorry, I just don’t see that, Cameron.”

“It’s true, Dani, it’s true. Sure, I’m a fun-loving guy, and I think you like that about me.” He tapped her nose. “I can make you laugh. But deep inside a man needs the love of a good woman.” He pressed her hand over his heart.

Danielle’s breathing grew shallow. “Just as a woman needs the love of a good man.”

Cameron enfolded her in his arms. Danielle was acutely aware of his hands on her bare skin. His touch was gentle and she closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of his body and the sureness of his embrace and the effect of the champagne.

She missed the touch of a man. She ached for Jon, but knew now that their relationship would never be.
Just a moment more
, she promised herself. His hand began to move, almost imperceptibly at first, caressing the nape of her neck, tracing her spine to the small of her back. Danielle quivered in his arms. She could feel his muscles tighten under his shirt as she pressed her fingertips into his back.

“Oh, Dani,” he whispered hoarsely. “How I’ve longed for you, from the minute I first laid eyes on you.”

Though tempted, she pulled back. “We really mustn’t.”

Cameron lay his head on her chest, and she could feel the quickening of his heart. His hand brushed against her breast as he lifted his head. She stiffened under his touch. “Don’t be afraid of me, Dani. I’ll be gentle.”